- 28mm scale
- 42 Highly detailed plastic figures
- Unpainted figures, assembly with glue and painting required
- Molded in gray
The Zouaves (French pronunciation: [zwav]) were a class of light infantry regiments of the French Army serving between 1830 and 1962 and linked to French North Africa, as well as some units of other countries modelled upon them. The zouaves, along with the indigenous Tirailleurs Algeriens, were among the most decorated units of the French Army.
In the United States, zouaves were brought to public attention by Elmer E. Ellsworth. Inspired by his French friend Charles De Villers, who had been a surgeon in the North African zouaves, he obtained a zouave drill manual. In 1859, Ellsworth took over a drill company and renamed them the "Zouave Cadets". The drill company toured nationally, performing the light infantry drill of the north African zouaves with many theatrical additions. "Zouave" units were then raised on both sides of the American Civil War of 1861-5, including a regiment under Ellsworth's command, the New York "Fire Zouaves".
A feature of some American zouave units, at least in the opening stages of the American Civil War, was the light infantry tactics and drill they employed. Zouaves: "...utilised light infantry tactics that emphasised open-order formations, with several feet between soldiers, rather than the customary close order, with its characteristic 'touch of elbows'. They moved at double-time, rather than marching to a stately cadence, and they lay on their backs to load their rifles rather than standing to do so. To fire, they rolled prone and sometimes rose on one knee.
This Perry Miniatures kit contains 42 Zouaves including command. They are represented in full zouave kit, the most colourful uniforms seen on the battlefields of the American Civil War. The figures are all advancing rapidly with arms that allow you to depict them all at 'right shoulder shift' or at the more intimidating 'charge' . Also for all the zouaves both unadorned fezzes and fezzes with turbans (for those units who occasionally used them in the field) are included. The box also includes uniform guides flags and bases.
This is great addition to your diorama or miniatures gaming collection.
